Creating inclusive classrooms for Gen Z and Alpha 

Teaching today is not what it used to be 10 or even 5 years ago. Teaching is an ever-evolving field that requires its stakeholders to keep up. Gone are the days when teachers could keep the students engaged using only strict and disciplinarian methods. The current generation of students- Gen Z and Gen Alpha have grown up with iPhones, laptops and social media. They are built on a massive societal shift towards mass media consumption and the age of shorter attention spans. Traditional lectures and textbooks simply don’t cut it anymore. These students are digital, visual, and fast-paced, and if a teacher wants to reach them, they must speak to them in their language.   

So, what works in the present-day classroom for teaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha?   

Understanding the Generation   

Who are Gen Z and Gen Alpha?  

Gen Z consists of those students who were born between 1997 and 2012. They grew up in the beginning of the boom of smartphones, social media and climate anxiety. These students are independent learners, and they are focused on increasing awareness about mental health. These students seek purpose in their education; they look for explanations and rationales for why they study what they do. They will inevitably resist learning when it does not align with their purpose-driven mindset. They are also used to quick feedback, personal learning techniques and engaging in side-hustles.    

Gen Alpha consists of students who were born after 2012. These kids are true digital natives. They are defined by shorter attention spans and larger addictions to screens. Many of them started using screens even before they could speak. These children prefer video games over friends, YouTube over TV and Alexa over encyclopedias. Naturally, they expect a lot of interactivities in their learning experiences and prefer instant access to knowledge.   

A one-size-fits-all teaching method just doesn’t work anymore. If teachers don’t evolve, they will lose the student’s attention and potential.    

Letting go of passive learning   

As aforementioned, what works with these students is visual and immersive learning.  An example of what can be used is project-based learning, where students navigate real-world problems and apply their theory to practice. Teachers must use visual learning tools, such as infographics, memes, videos, and movies, where students can analyze various media through the lens of the subject being taught. Another great way to engage them is by using elements of scores, rewards and quizzes that transform learning into a game. Tools like Canva and Kahoot are excellent aids to making learning creative. Active learning always works best because young children are inclined to learn better through ‘doing’ rather than ‘listening’.    

Use their devices instead of fighting them  

Turn phones and laptops into tools, not distractions. Use resources like online quizzes, games and AI tools to teach prompt engineering and responsible use of technology. Reference current shows or movies/ social media memes and posts that can grasp their attention and help them learn using their current interests rather than outdated material they cannot relate to. Teachers need to understand that they cannot win the digital war. The best way to teach in the current age is to use tech mindfully, making it more valuable and useful.    

Collaboration is Key  

 

Utilize group projects, peer feedback and classroom discussions to help students learn from each other. Vicarious learning does wonders in the classroom space. Teachers can also use platforms like Padlet or Google Jamboard, where the students can discuss their thoughts and use online forums to debate various perspectives. Further, incorporate role-plays, debates and mock simulations to help students help each other become better and learn from each other. Both Gen Z and Gen Alpha crave connection and teamwork, and integrating online ways of doing it adds the cherry on top of the cake.    

Speak their language  

 

As mentioned above, tie lessons to current events, pop culture and trending issues. Show the students that classroom concepts apply to careers and that everything is interconnected. Invite guest speakers who are young changemakers instead of older ones to whom the students cannot relate. Children learn and understand better when they can apply what they study to everyday events and the phenomena they see around them. Gen Z and Alpha ask, “Why should I care?” and if teachers can give them a reason, they will definitely show up.    

 

Prioritize mental health and emotional intelligence.  

 

These two generations have been born into a world that places importance on mental health and safety. They need to know that their classrooms reflect that safe space. Teachers can start with a quick check-in before lessons to show students they care about their mental functioning. Teach them emotional intelligence and self-awareness and show them they can always talk to you, expecting non-judgmental conversations and help. Embed mindfulness, journaling and breaks during the classroom because Gen Z reports the highest rates of anxiety and burnout. Hence, emphasizing emotional literacy is just as a critical as academic literacy.   

Rethink assessments  

Replace tests with portfolios, short films, podcasts, posters, blogs and reflections. Let the students choose how they want to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of what has been taught. Ditch the old methods of evaluation and use rubrics that reward creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Tests simply will not cut it anymore, and research shows that they no longer accurately represent the level of a student’s mastery of the subjects. These generations value feedback and opportunities for growth over letter grades. They want assessments to feel like creative challenges and not punishments.    

Some tools and platforms that work in 2025   

• For visual creation- Canva   

• For Collaborative learning- Miro, Jamboard   

• For assessments- Kahoot, Quizizz   

• For Projects- Notion, Google Sites   

• For Communication- Flip, Padlet, Moodle  

• For AI support- MagicSchool AI  

Most effective teaching occurs when teachers look at it not as keeping up with the kids but as curating a learning experience that matters to them. Teaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha is about preparing them for an uncertain world that they cannot predict. It’s about learning along with them and not presenting yourself as a sage on the stage but as a coach on the side who guides them. Don’t show them how to think, show them that they have the ability to think.